Otuke District Distributes 33,976 Government Hand Hoes as Authorities Warn Against Diversion
Otuke District Local Government has commenced the distribution of 33,976 government hand hoes to registered beneficiaries under a government agricultural support initiative aimed at boosting food production and improving household incomes. District leaders have warned residents against selling or diverting the tools, emphasizing that they are intended solely for agricultural use.
LCC TV NEWS
Otuke District Local Government on Thursday officially launched the distribution of 33,976 hand hoes supplied by the Government of Uganda to registered beneficiaries across the district.
The distribution exercise, flagged off at Otuke Town Council, is expected to benefit thousands of households and support increased agricultural productivity in a district where farming remains the primary source of livelihood.
Speaking during the launch, District Agricultural Officer Bonny Ocen said the hand hoes are being distributed free of charge and that the allocation follows the official records from the 2024 Uganda Population Census to ensure fairness and accountability.
"The distribution is strictly based on the 2024 Uganda Population Census. Only those whose names appear in the official records are eligible to receive the hand hoes," Ocen said.
He emphasized that the district has put in place strict verification procedures to ensure that only registered beneficiaries receive the government support.
Representing the Otuke Town Clerk, the Olec Ward Town Agent said distribution teams had been deployed across Olec Ward, Oloi, Bar-Odugu, Odep Ward, and other areas within Otuke Town Council to ensure the exercise is conducted transparently and efficiently.
He revealed that Otuke Town Council received 2,045 hand hoes, all of which have already been distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Isaac Opio Opeo commended the Government of Uganda for investing in agricultural development, saying the initiative will contribute significantly to improved household welfare.
"This initiative will enhance food production and improve household incomes across the district," Opeo said.
He urged beneficiaries to use the hand hoes responsibly and warned against any attempt to sell, divert, or misuse the government-issued tools.
"Use the hand hoes for farming rather than selling or misusing them. The government will not tolerate the diversion of agricultural inputs," he warned.
Beneficiaries Welcome the Support
Residents expressed optimism that the new farming tools will reduce the burden of manual labour and improve crop production during the upcoming planting seasons.
Esther Okello and Justine Ananga, both residents of Te-Ogini Cell in Otuke, said the support comes at a critical time for farming households.
"The hand hoes will reduce the burden of farm work and help increase production to improve our families' livelihoods," they said.
Background
Agriculture remains the backbone of Otuke District's economy, with the majority of residents relying on crop farming for food and income. Government interventions through the provision of farm inputs are intended to improve productivity, strengthen household resilience, and contribute to national food security objectives.
District officials have encouraged all beneficiaries to make proper use of the hand hoes, noting that effective utilization of the tools will play a key role in achieving the programme's intended impact.
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